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W. RUGG D.D 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



jflamtals; of JTattf) anU £>utp* 

EDITED BY REV. J. S. CANTWELL, D.D. 



A SERIES of short books in exposition of prominent teachings 
of the Universalist Church, and the moral and religious 
obligations of believers. They are prepared by writers selected for 
their ability to present in brief compass an instructive and helpful 
Manual on the subject undertaken. The volumes will be affirmative 
and constructive in statement, avoiding controversy, while specifically 
unfolding doctrines. 

The Manuals of Faith and Duty are issued at intervals of 
three or four months. Uniform in size, style, and price. 

I. THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD. 

By Rev. J. Coleman Adams, D.D., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

II. JESUS THE CHRIST. 

By Rev. S. Crane, D.D., Norwalk, 0. 

III. REVELATION. 

By Rev. I. M. At wood, D.D., President of the Theological 

School, Canton, N. Y. 

IV. CHRIST IN THE LIFE. 

By Rev. Warren S. Woodbridge, Medford, Mass. 

V. SALVATION. 

By Rev. Orello Cone, D.D., President of Buchtel College, 
Akron, O. 

VI. THE BIRTH FROM ABOVE. 

By Rev. Charles Follen Lee, Charlestown, Mass. 

VII. (In Preparation.) 

VIII. THE CHURCH. 

By Rev. Henry W. Rugg, D.D., Providence, R. I. 



PUBLISHED BY THE 

UNIVERSALIST PUBLISHING HOUSE, 

BOSTON, 3S^TASS. 

Western Branch: 69 Dearborn Street, Chicago. 



Jtauals of jFaitij ano ©utg. 
No. vln. 



THE CHURCH 



BY 




REV. HENRY W.^RUGG, D.D. 

H 



I SPEAK IN REGARD OF CHRIST AND OF THE CHURCH. 

EPHESIANS V. 32. 



,rt>y 



r /'vV 



BOSTON: 

UNIVERSALIST PUBLISHING HOUSE. 
1891. 



Wcoo 

7ft7 



Copyright, 1891, 
By the Universalist Publishing House. 



The Likr\ry 

OF COV ;sS 



WA<W "VSf 



aSm'bersits Press: 
Jobn Wilson and Son, Cambridge. 



*0 



CONTENTS, 



INTRODUCTORY. 
Chapter Page 

I. Antecedents of the Church .... 6 

II. Meaning and Uses of the term 

"Church" 10 

III. The Church in the Apostolic Period 17 

IV. Place and Functions of the Church 24 
V. Ordinances of the Church 31 

VI. Prerequisites for Membership. ... 41 
VII. Objections against the Church and 

Ordinances 49 

VIII. Privileges of Church Membership . . 59 

IX. Obligations of Church Members ... 67 

X. What is Your Duty ? 74 # 

XL Personal Influence and Service ... 81 



" Wit prag for GTJjg %ols (£fjurcJ) universal, tfjat it 
mag be so gufteti antf rjoberneti bg ^1)2 gooti spirit, 
tfjat all hrfjo profess antf call tljemselfoes Christians 
mag be left into tfje bias of trutfj, anti Ijoltr the fattTj in 
unitg of spirit, in tlje bonti of peace anti in righteous* 
ness of life/' 



THE CHURCH. 



INTRODUCTORY. 

THE writer believes in the Divine appointment 
of the Church and its present efficiency of 
spiritual help and blessing. It is through the 
Church, as an instrumentality thus ordained, 
that the light and truth of Christianity are to be 
disseminated and the kingdom of Christ our 
Lord extended on the earth. The Church is a 
factor in the most important interests of society, 
and is vitally related to the world's progress. No 
other institution can take its place or do its 
work. It is the Body of Christ, of right de- 
manding the allegiance and support of all who 
believe in him as the Son of God and seek to 
be spiritually united to him, the Head of the 
Church. 

Out of love for the Church and a belief in both 
its sacredness and utility the following pages 



6 THE CHURCH. 

have been written. This work is not a treatise 
on ecclesiology ; it is only what its name sug- 
gests, a Manual that points in the way of Chris- 
tian duty. The author trusts that it may stir 
some hearts with deeper love to Christ and move 
them to take their places in the one organization 
that best represents his truth and kingdom ; and 
that it may have an influence upon others al- 
ready in the Church to undertake a more devoted 
service in His Name, for the regeneration of 
human hearts and society. Then will the 
Church and kingdom of Christ be advanced and 
glorified. 

I. — Antecedents of the Christian Church. 

The essential idea of the Church is in man 
himself. He has a religious nature which is 
suggestive of such an institution, and he has 
associative tendencies of being that point in the 
same direction. A strong instinct prompts him 
to reach out after God, to build altars, to offer 
sacrifices, to engage in various forms of devotion 
not by or for himself alone, but in co-operation 
with others and for the common benefit. We 
should expect therefore an organization adapted 



ANTECEDENTS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 7 

to the expression of man's religious and social 
nature. The Church of God presents itself as 
such an organization, and it may be said to have 
existed, constructively at least, from the begin- 
ning of the human world, — from the time that 
man became awakened to moral consciousness 
and was moved to engage in the practices of 
religion. In that earliest period the truth of 
God took an organic form, while fitting agencies 
were provided to enable men to cultivate the 
higher faculties of their being, and worship and 
work together. By such religious fellowship 
and service they were helped to attain a ful- 
ness of life which they could not have reached 
had they dwelt apart from each other in the 
maintenance of an intense individualism, or had 
religion been presented to man only as an ab- 
straction. 

Primarily then, we say, the Church was insti- 
tuted to meet the needs of universal humanity. 
It was the natural outcome of the religious ele- 
ment in man, having behind it the social instinct 
and an appreciation of the need of co-operation 
in rendering offerings and services to the Great 
Creator. Or, to state the fact somewhat differ- 
ently but none the less accurately, God provided 



8 THE CHURCH. 

for the religious wants of His children by estab- 
lishing an institution whose place was clearly 
disclosed in the scheme of the Divine economy 
and grace. Thus came the Patriarchal Church, 
identified at first with the family, and at a later 
period made an integral part of the national life 
of the Jewish people. The Church resting on a 
distinctive basis of religion found place in the 
household of Noah and in the Hebrew Common- 
wealth and kingdom. It existed in the early 
times associated with the family and the state, 
and if these last named institutions are to be 
regarded as divinely provided for human needs, 
so ought the Church likewise to be considered, 
no doubts being entertained as to its usefulness 
or its permanency. 

In the order of natural progress the Church 
Patriarchal developed into the Hebraic Church, 
which, as already intimated, impressed itself 
powerfully upon the national life of God's an- 
cient people. So it was, " The State gave form 
and strength to the Church, and the Church in 
turn penetrated, ruled, sanctified the State." * 
When spiritual declension came upon the Jew- 
ish people the Nation went down, but the Church 

1 Ecclesiology, E. D. Morris, D.D., p. 28. 



ANTECEDENTS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 9 

survived. Indeed the Church always moved 
along an advancing way to the time when Jesus 
the Christ came upon earth. Says the author 
just quoted : " It was not in the Divine plan that 
the Church should die out with the Nation ; rather 
was it planned that the Nation as a containing 
vessel should be broken into fragments, in order 
that the Church might strike out its roots into 
surrounding soil and grow into its predestined 
universality. . . . The theocratic era prepared 
the way for the royal, and this in turn prepared 
the way for the period during which the outer 
shell of faith fell off, and the essential principle 
of faith germinated into form and beauty, by 
way of preparation for the advent of a Saviour 
and a religion wherein the Patriarchal and the 
Hebraic Churches were to find their final and 
perfect realization." 1 

It is well to note these antecedents of the 
Christian Church, — the preparation made for 
its establishment. In such a review, however 
hasty, we can hardly fail to see a divine leading 
toward the better organization that was to come. 
The ancient institution was shadowy and imper- 
fect, sadly lacking in the elements of an exalted 
1 Ecclesiology, p. 29. 



10 THE CHURCH. 

spirituality ; yet it represented much of the truth 
of God and the power of God attested by the 
faith and piety of human souls heartily allegiant 
to Jehovah. It was modified and expanded dur- 
ing the centuries, always maintaining, however, 
the vital principles entering into its constitution, 
and so was carried over to the new dispensation 
where it was merged in the broader and more 
spiritual organism representing Christ and His 
truth. According to a suggestive figure em- 
ployed by Saint Paul the Christian Church was 
grafted upon the Jewish tree. 1 Thus were devout 
anticipations realized, prophetic announcements 
fulfilled, as the perfected Church under the 
Gospel appeared to represent the Kingdom of 
our Lord Jesus Christ and make that Kingdom 
more effective among men. 
m 

II. — Meaning and Uses op the term " Church." 

The word " Church," as employed in common 
speech, is variously applied. Its etymologi- 
cal meaning does not govern all its uses. Con- 
fusion sometimes arises from the different senses 
in which we employ this term of such large 

1 Komans xi. 17-24. 



MEANING OF THE TERM CHURCH. 11 

significance. Thus Church and denomination 
are often treated as synonyms, while in a more 
restricted line of application a parish is re- 
garded as the equivalent of a church. A house 
or place of worship is called a church, and a 
congregation of people assembled therein for 
worship is designated by the same term. Ap- 
plied, as it is more properly, to believers in 
and followers of Jesus Christ, the word may 
still have a very broad or a very narrow scope 
of meaning. Under the common classification, 
there is an " invisible Church " and a " visible 
Church;" and the last named body is divided 
into the " Church Militant " and the " Church 
Triumphant, " — the members of the former be- 
ing Christ's acknowledged followers on the 
earth, while the latter phrase points to a com- 
munion of saints in Heaven. 

It is important to keep in mind these differ- 
ent uses of the word, thus avoiding confusion 
so far as possible. It is equally important, 
where references are made to the Church in 
its purely spiritual aspects, that there should 
be a clear understanding of the fact that the 
term is there applied to a formless and un- 
organized force. It represents in such a use 



12 THE CHURCH. 

an intangible relation of souls to each other, 
and of Christ with them. It may be allowable 
to speak of a church thus spiritualized and with 
no outward sign of membership or bond of 
union. If so, the Church under that largest 
and most comprehensive definition includes all 
Christians. Thus remarks Baxter : " If thou 
hast faith and love and the Spirit, thou art a 
Christian ; and if a Christian, a member of 
Christ's Church Universal." This affirmation 
is supposed to be in consonance with the words 
of our Saviour : " For whosoever shall do the 
will of My Father who is in Heaven, the same 
is My brother, and sister, and mother." * 

Oftener than otherwise, however, and in ac- 
cordance with the most significant use of the 
term, we speak of the Church as an organiza- 
tion. It is an institution having well-defined 
features that fix attention. As Neander says, 
" It is the kingdom and royal dwelling-place 
of Christ on the earth." It was divinely ap- 
pointed to represent Christ and His truth 
among men. By its agency the Christ law and 
the Christ power are made effective in w r ays 
and to an extent not possible if Christianity 

i Matt. xii. 50. 



MEANING OF THE TERM CHURCH. 13 

found expression only as individual thought, 
belief, and experience. The Church consti- 
tutes an agency for associated efforts in behalf 
of Christian truth and righteousness. It in- 
cludes a membership^ professedly allegiant to 
Christ, united by a common faith, and pledged 
to work together in His name. It is in this 
sense the Christian Church presents itself with 
sanctions that are most solemn and claims 
that are most urgent. 

It cannot be said that all this of lofty import 
and purpose is signified by the New Testament 
term translated Church. The Greek word 
ekhlesia means literally an " assembly " or 
" congregation," — a number of persons called 
and associated together for Christian worship 
and service. The word is seldom used in the 
Gospels, though it appears frequently in other 
parts of the New Testament, being applied with 
more or less breadth of specification to Chris- 
tian believers and worshippers. One of the 
most notable uses of the word is the declara- 
tion made by our Lord, " Upon this rock I will 
build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall 
not prevail against it." 1 

1 Matt. xvi. 18. 



14 THE CHURCH. 

Whether or not the reference in this affirma- 
tion is to Peter, whose name signified a stone 
or rock, or to the confession that the Apostle 
had just made acknowledging the Divine Au- 
thority of Christ, there is no warrant in the 
statement for that supremacy which has been 
claimed for Peter in the establishment of the 
Christian Church. He was justly prominent 
in placing its foundations and directing its 
earliest course ; but the other Apostles shared 
with him such power and responsibility. Thus 
it is said the Church is " built upon the foun- 
dation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus 
Christ himself being the chief corner-stone." 1 
Peter himself acknowledged this true founda- 
tion, for he says of Christ the Lord : He is 
" a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but 
with God elect," 2 being the fulfilment of the 
ancient prophecy quoted by the Apostle in the 
same connection, " Behold, I lay in Zion a chief 
corner stone." 3 The permanency of the Chris- 
tian Church, no less than its true character, 
is indicated by all these statements. It is 
established on one enduring foundation. 

Whatever different meanings may be given 

i Eph. ii. 20. 2 1 Peter ii. 4. 3 Isa. xxviii. 16. 



MEANING OF THE TERM CHURCH. 15 

to the word in the uses to which it is put by 
the New Testament writers, there can be no 
question of the fact that the Church was un- 
derstood to include the acknowledged disciples 
of Christ, and to represent the organic life of 
Christianity. " The Church in its original 
sense," says Dr. Howard Crosby, "as denoted 
by the Greek word ekklesia, is the congregation 
of believers in orderly form." x It was an or- 
ganization. - It had standards of belief, together 
with laws and methods of associated activity. 
Thus it presented itself as the sign, growth, the 
expression of Christian truth designed to have 
prevailing power among men. 

In the New Testament usage there are three 
distinct meanings attached to the word " Church." 
It designates individual companies of believers 
assembled in one place for worship and com- 
munion, the place being often a private resi- 
dence. Thus Saint Paul sends his greeting 
to " brethren that are in Laodicea, and to 
Nymphas, and the Church that is in his 
house ; " 2 also to Archippus, " and to the 
Church in thy house." 3 Evidently the Chris- 

1 Horn. Review, May, 1890. 2 Col. iv. 15. 

3 Philemon, i. 2. 



16 THE CHURCH. 

tians in a private family, with probably a few 
of their friends and neighbors, constituted a 
church in one of the meanings belonging to 
the word. The term is also frequently applied 
to united bodies of CGristian believers in a 
certain jurisdiction or country. So it is that the 
Churches of Galatia or of Asia are specified. 1 
These groups of believers could hardly have 
been united by any close bond of ecclesiastical 
rule ; there was no " National Church " in the 
Apostolic period. In the nature of things there 
could not have been. The plural form of the 
word is generally employed in the Epistles, 
where reference is made to the Christians of 
any given country ; and hence we read of the 
Churches of Asia, the Churches of Galatia, etc. 

There is, however, another and more impor- 
tant usage of the word by the writers of the 
New Testament, who frequently apply the term 
to the whole body of disciples. The " visible 
Catholic Church " evidently was often in the 
thought of the Apostles, and therefore they laid 
special emphasis upon a communion of Chris- 
tians far transcending the local organization. 
They set the whole Church above particular 

1 1 Cor. xvi. 1-19. 



CHURCH IN THE APOSTOLIC PERIOD. 17 

Churches, and called attention to it as repre- 
senting the body of Christ, as including all 
who acknowledged Christ and were united to 
help advance his kingdom. Numerous uses of 
the word in this highest meaning might be 
cited. " The Lord added to the Church daily 
those who were being saved." 1 " As Christ 
also loved the Church." 2 " The Church of the 
living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." 3 
In this highest sense the Church is significantly 
named the body of Christ, and is represented 
as our Lord's visible kingdom established on 
the earth. It is the organic life of Christianity, 
— a blessed, permanent force in the world's 
enlightenment and salvation. 

III. — The Church in the Apostolic Period. 

The founder of Christianity is likewise the 
founder of the Church that bears his name. 
In the Gospel economy, under the conditions of 
the new dispensation, the place for the Church 
was made clearly apparent and its establish- 
ment indicated. As already observed, there was 

1 Acts ii. 47. 2 Eph. v. 25. 

3 1 Timothy, iii. 15. 

2 



18 THE CHURCH. 

brought over from the old dispensation a rich 
material of religious accumulation which had 
much to do with the shaping of institutional 
Christianity. And so there were laws and prac- 
tices, rites and ceremonies, belonging to the 
Patriarchal and Hebraic Churches, which were 
carried over into the more spiritual organization 
of which Christ is declared to be the Head. In 
a very real and important sense, our Lord may 
be said to have instituted the Christian Church, 
but it did not take form and become a working 
body until after His resurrection and ascension. 
Prospectively it was indeed established by the 
teaching of principles and truths which underlie 
Christianity, as something also of its ceremonial 
was indicated by the endorsement which our 
Saviour gave to the rite of baptism, and by His 
institution of the Holy Supper. In its defined 
proportions, however, as an organization of spe- 
cific aims and purposes, representing the re- 
demptive work of the Saviour on earth, calling 
believers to its communion for the observance of 
sacred rites and the practice of religious duties, 
the Church of Christ cannot be said to have 
existed at so early a period. 

The historical date of the establishment of 



CHURCH IN THE APOSTOLIC PERIOD. 19 

the Christian Church is that day of Pentecost 
when the Apostles " were all filled with the 
Holy Spirit " x and entered actively upon their 
great work of evangelization. It was the Holy 
Spirit that fitted the Apostles to be embassadors 
and witnesses of Christ in all parts of the world ; 
and it was the Holy Spirit which instructed them 
in the exercise of the ecclesiastical authority 
vested in them. They realized on the day of 
Pentecost the full force of their commission : 
" Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all the 
nations, baptizing them into the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." 2 
They acted accordingly. They made actual and 
visible the Christian Church which had before 
been prospective, albeit its principles and spirit- 
ual character had been clearly outlined. 

It is both interesting and instructive to study 
the Church — the Churches — of Apostolic times. 
The primitive Church was under the control and 
guidance of the Apostles, whose authority was 
derived directly from Christ Himself. In this 
respect their relation to the Church which took 
form in their hands was unlike the relation held 
by any of their successors ; hence it becomes all 
1 Acts ii. 4. 2 Matt, xxviii. 19. 



20 THE CHURCH. 

the more important to note what the Apostles 
commanded, practised, allowed, in the moulding 
and direction of the institution thus established. 
So likewise we may well turn our attention to 
the Christian Church as it existed in that first 
period, that we may see how simple and yet how 
efficient for the purposes intended were its essen- 
tial features. It succeeded to and in some sense 
was a development of the Jewish Church. There 
was a wonderful change, however, between the 
old and the new institutions, for the Church in 
Apostolic times had no such elaborateness of 
ritual or number of rules and dogmas as had 
characterized the expression of religion under 
the Jewish dispensation. The creed of the early 
Church was exceeding brief, and the ecclesias- 
tical polity was simplicity itself. Rules of pro- 
cedure were somewhat elastic and variable, and 
but few tests were enjoined or ceremonial ob- 
servances imposed. 

The primitive Church, however, was an insti- 
tution having metes and bounds and prescribed 
laws and usages, and a well-defined order of 
government. The Apostles were rulers and di- 
rectors of the whole Church regarded as a unit. 
Their superintendence was personal, or exer- 



CHURCH IN THE APOSTOLIC PERIOD. 21 

cised through duly appointed agents. Saint Paul 
claimed to have "the care of all the Churches;" 1 
Peter and John visited Samaria, where Philip 
had preached successfully and baptized many, 
and exercised there an authority which the sub- 
ordinate Christian teacher did not claim to pos- 
sess or attempt to wield. 2 Evidently there was 
an Apostolic superintendence of the whole 
Church, and this authority was delegated spe- 
cifically on certain occasions. Thus Saint Paul 
writes to Titus : u I left thee in Crete that thou 
shouldst set in order the things that were want- 
ing, and appoint Elders in every city as I gave 
thee charge." 3 

If we turn from this general government of 
the Church at large, vested in the hands of the 
Apostles, to the particular rule of local Churches, 
we shall find an orderly management and syste- 
matic course of procedure, albeit there were 
great differences in the administration of the 
Churches that sprung up rapidly as a result of 
the missionary labors of the Apostles. Those 
Churches were composed of men and women 
who believed in Christ and confessed Him, — 

they and their households. They were organ- 

p 

1 2 Cor. xi 28. 2 Acts viii. 14. 3 Titus i. 5. 



22 THE CHURCH. 

ized on a simple but firm basis, meeting together 
for worship, for prayer and praise, for the ob- 
servance of the Lord's Supper, for Christian 
culture and service. To lead and care for these 
organized assemblies there were certain officers 
required of higher and lower grades, and these 
seem to have been provided according to special 
exigencies or the differing needs disclosed. A 
wise law of expediency was recognized in that 
first period of the Christian Church, so allowing 
for a considerable variation in externals. Never- 
theless there were ordained " ministers," " elders," 
" bishops," " presbyters," " deacons," in those 
early days, and to men thus commissioned was 
committed the oversight of these Churches. 
Thus leaders and teachers were not all possessed 
of the same gifts, and they exercised quite dif- 
ferent faculties. " And he gave some, apostles ; 
and some, prophets ; and some, evangelists ; and 
some, pastors and teachers ; for the perfecting 
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and 
for the edifying of the body of Christ." * To 
direct the affairs of the Church, preach the word, 
administer the Christian ordinances, and care for 
the poor and distressed, was then as now, the 
i Eph. iv. 11, 12. 



CHURCH IN THE APOSTOLIC PERIOD. 23 

work to which ministers were called — " elders" 
or " bishops " — the end being " the edifying of 
the body of Christ." There was no papal estab- 
lishment then ; no hierarchy with a perversion 
and abuse of priestly orders ; the bishop was 
often no more than the teacher of a simple con- 
gregation, the pastor of one body of believers, 
or the senior among a number of presbyters 
whose counsel was taken in the regulation of 
the affairs of any number of associated Churches. 
There was ecclesiasticism under that first rule, 
for due regard was paid to order, system, and 
authority ; but it was a home government, whole- 
some, intelligent, simple, having but few of the 
cumbrous, hierarchical features which not many 
centuries afterwards pressed so heavily upon the 
whole Church and overlaid its spiritual life. 

The Christian Church was by no means per- 
fect in that first age of its history. The record 
shows its weaknesses and defects. It suffered 
even in that early period from apostasy, hypoc- 
risy, and a corrupting selfishness on the part of 
many of its representatives. It did not appear in 
all respects as the ideal Church, "holy and with- 
out blemish," * for gross errors crept in, and its 

1 Eph. v. 27. 



24 THE CHURCH. 

glory was dimmed by practices of folly, pride, 
and worldliness. Nevertheless the picture of 
the Church in Apostolic times is beautiful and 
attractive. Then it represented the simplicity 
of. the Gospel in doctrine and forms, and not 
less the large and hopeful expression of Chris- 
tianity which constitutes the world's highest 
inspiration. Its members, taken collectively, 
believed heartily, worked and worshipped in a 
close fellowship, thus broadening and deepening 
their own spiritual life while they sought to 
make the Church, which stood to them for the 
Christ faith and service, an aggressive, trium- 
phant force in the world. It helps us in the 
study of applied Christianity to send our thought 
backward to the earlv Church and notice its 
faithful use of means and activities in honoring 
our Lord and extending His Kingdom on the 
earth. 

IV. — Place and Functions of the Christian 

Church. 

The Church announced by Christ and estab- 
lished by the Apostles, acting under the guid- 
ance of the Holy Spirit, has lived and flourished 



PLACE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CHURCH- 25 

until now. It has embodied and expressed more 
or less clearly the vital truths of Christiani- 
ty, and has been the vehicle of their commu- 
nication among men. It has stood forth as a 
sign and memorial of the living Saviour, an or- 
ganic witness of the Divine might and glory, 
and an effective agency of discipling the na- 
tions of earth according to the Christ command. 
And thus have been met in some degree those 
deep, spiritual needs of human nature, where 
first we find the suggestion of such an organiza- 
tion as the Christian Church. It presents itself 
thus naturally, and so has permanency. It justi- 
fies its continued existence on the ground of fit- 
ness for man's religious needs, and usefulness as 
a working force of truth and righteousness. " If 
religion had not some external institution, it 
would not have a manifestation among men as 
a distinct, substantive, all-important thing, — it 
would appear like a matter of private opinion, — 
its nature and evidence could scarcely be made 
sensible, still less prominent, to the eyes of man- 
kind at large ; and the grand benefits to be de- 
rived from social instruction and worship would 
be lost." * Constituted in accord with instincts 

1 J. Pye Smith, Christian Theology, p. 616. 



26 THE CHURCH. 

and ideas that are fundamental in human nature, 
the Church, bearing God's impress upon it, might 
be expected to have an enduring life. This has 
been its history. The Christian Church has been 
touched by many changes, has passed through 
periods of great trial, has been subjected to 
many untoward influences both from within and 
from without ; but it has survived all opposition, 
and has emerged from any temporary darkness 
with such a re-adjustment of its forces as to 
again attract the world to itself. It is not possi- 
ble in this writing to trace the progress of events 
and changes as connected with the organic life 
of Christianity. Some things in such a review 
are not pleasant ; many things are perplexing 
and tend to controversy ; and it may well suffice 
for our present purposes that we consider how 
the Christian Church has stood enduringly and 
made progress, despite the grievous weights it 
has sometimes carried, and the base alloy which 
has been mixed with the pure material, both as 
regards its doctrines and its usages. 

This advancing, re-adjusted Church is not a 
perfect institution. It has suffered by schisms 
and contests respecting questions of dogmatic 
belief or matters pertaining to forms and cere- 



PLACE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CHURCH. 27 

monies ; it shows the scars of many a fierce con- 
flict thus brought about. Divisions many and 
great exist within its lines, so that there is not 
everywhere one and the same representation of 
the Divine glory, worship, and testimony. Or- 
ganic unity, the dream of pious hearts through 
all the centuries, still seems a great way off, for 
the clash of opposing systems and the strife of 
sects still continue. Spiritual unity, however, 
appears to be gaining ground. Externals, the 
merely technical matters relating to Church pro- 
cedure, do not claim so much attention as for- 
merly, nor is there so much stress laid upon the 
comparatively unimportant features of Christ's 
teaching. Never before, since the Apostolic age, 
was there so much of love and co-operation 
among Christians as now ; the spirit of intoler- 
ance and bigotry seems fast disappearing, and 
believers and Churches are finding out the fact 
that the tests by which they must be tried are 
those of character and Christian productiveness. 
Sectarian bitterness does not make itself so much 
felt in these later days ; there is more of love 
and sympathy among Christ's professed follow- 
ers, and thus the spiritual entity of the Church 
becomes more evident. Men who stand together, 



28 THE CHURCH. 

sharing in the great activities of the age for 
human good and practically supporting each 
other in efforts to enlighten and bless the world, 
do not find it difficult to believe in that unity in- 
dicated by the Saviour in His memorable prayer 
for all His true followers : " I in them, and Thou 
in me, that they may be made perfect in one." 1 

The Christian Church, fragmentary as it seems 
at the first view, presents itself with oneness of 
character, aims, service, for its glory shines 
brightest only where it is regarded as an agency 
through which and by which the world shall 
be brought to Christ; all believers, all hearts 
being united to Him, the Great Head of the 
Church, by the blessed ties of faith, love, and 
true service. 

Here then we discern the place and functions 
of the Christian Church, instituted to meet the 
religious needs of mankind, to preserve and dif- 
fuse the principles of the Gospel, and help faith- 
ful, believing souls to realize more of moral life 
and blessedness. Its adaptation to the busy, 
struggling world of to-day is clearly apparent. 
It claims the foremost place among the institu- 
tions and forces that exercise a benign influence 

i John xvii. 23. 



PLACE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CHURCH. 29 

upon modern society. This claim rests not only 
upon the Divine appointment and sanction, but 
upon its inherent character, its representation of 
the Christ life and law, and its identification with 
the great redemptive forces of human salvation. 
In the progress of the centuries, subjected as the 
Christian Church has been to the influence of 
social and political changes, with new light break- 
ing forth from the Scriptures and higher calls of 
duty and privilege continually presented, we may 
well believe that the scope of its work and the 
range of its mission have not lessened. Its es- 
sential features remain the same, but its province 
is broadened a good deal in these latest days 
under the estimate that is now applied to the 
institution. 

The Church of Christ still exercises a spir- 
itual ministry to the individual. One of its 
functions, as a repository of moral forces, is to 
influence persons and bring them one by one 
into closer relations with God. As an agency 
of Christian enlightenment, a help to holy liv- 
ing, and a means of grace and blessing, it min- 
isters efficiently to man's religious needs. By 
the personal confession of Christ and pledge 
of fidelity to Him which it requires, by the 



30 THE CHURCH. 

ordinances and fellowship which it provides, to- 
gether with the special duties for which it gives 
the call and makes the opportunity, the Church 
exercises a gracious and powerful ministry to 
mankind as individuals. It is an instrumen- 
tality through which man's religious life is re- 
newed and developed as the pledged follower 
of Christ makes progress in the heavenly way. 
Far beyond this line, however, do the offices 
and functions of the Christian Church extend. 
The Church is designed to act within and upon 
society. It is in the realms of associated en- 
deavor that its mighty force is disclosed and its 
grand accomplishments signified. The power 
that it inherently possesses with all its accumu- 
lated resources is to be applied objectively to 
serve the interests of related life. The Chris- 
tian Church which meets the loftiest ideal must 
show a broad sympathy with human needs, and 
be practically helpful to men in all their strug- 
gles to attain more favored conditions. It can 
only justify its existence by doing work outside 
its own lines, and constantly making itself felt 
as an aggressive force in the regeneration of 
human society and the conquest of the whole 
world to Christ. In such true service, repre- 



ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH. 31 

senting the religion of the New Testament ap- 
plied to the social, educational, and industrial 
life of the community, — to all its interests and 
concerns of moral uplifting, — we may well 
discern the place and functions of the Christian 
Church in our own most favored age. Occupy- 
ing such an exalted position, called to such 
extended and practical labors, the Church suf- 
fers no abridgment of its ancient prestige, and 
is not less potent in fulfilling other ministries 
and discharging other offices having relation to 
personal faith and piety. Its kingdom is not 
lessened by the view taken, and all the more 
glorious does it appear in the broad sweep of its 
activities leading to universal righteousness. 

V. — Ordinances of the Church. 

As the Church is not Christianity itself, so 
the ordinances accepted and used by the 
Church do not constitute its entire vitality. 
Back of the institution which expresses the 
Christ being and rule is Divine truth, existing 
primarily in ideas and principles, and back of 
all rites is the organism that adopts them. 
But just as we should expect Christianity to 



32 THE CHURCH. 

appear in an organic life and take on an insti- 
tutional character, so should we anticipate that 
certain rites would be appointed and made im- 
portant in the administration of the body thus 
created. It does not seem strange that there 
should be ordinances of a sacred and binding 
character divinely imposed upon the Church, 
identified in the very nature of things with its 
communion and work ; and most certainly there 
is nothing more arbitrary or unnatural in these 
rites and observances than in the establishment 
of the Church itself. 

There are two ordinances or sacraments 
generally recognized in the Christian Church ; 
namely, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. There 
are other ordinances regarded as sacraments 
in some communions. Thus the Church of 
Rome includes seven ordinances in the list of 
sacraments, — Baptism, Lord's Supper, Confir- 
mation, Penance, Ordination, Marriage, and Ex- 
treme Unction. However important some of 
these ordinances or usages may be, they do not 
rank with the first two named rites, nor are 
they presented in the Scriptures as of like bind- 
ing import. Setting aside the so-called sacra- 
ments, which were added by the Church in the 



ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH. 33 

days when vain tradition and superstition held 
sway, we have to consider the two chief ordi- 
nances whose use seems justified by the letter 
and the spirit of the New Testament, 

It is to be borne in mind that the term " sac- 
rament " is not a Scriptural word, having been 
adopted into ecclesiastical usage after the Apos- 
tolic period. The word is significant, however, 
as applied to observances, by the use of which 
believers are supposed to solemnly pledge them- 
selves to Christ and His service. Baptism and 
the Lord's Supper, regarded as sacraments, im- 
ply much of sacred obligation and true spiritual 
allegiance to Christ the Lord. They are signs 
and evidences of a right disposition of the life ; 
and they likewise represent great and precious 
truths of the Gospel, and the spiritual presence 
of Christ our Lord. 

Baptism is the initiatory rite of the Christian 
Church. It was adopted as such by the Apos- 
tles on the day of Pentecost, and has been thus 
regarded and practised since that memorable 
date. Jesus was himself baptized at the hands 
of John the Baptist, 1 thus sanctioning the use 
of the rite; though for Him, the head of the 

i Matt. iii. 13, 17. 
3 



34 THE CHURCH. 

Church, it was not needed either as a sign or 
a pledge. During the personal ministry that 
Jesus exercised on the earth, baptism was rec- 
ognized as a sacred rite, and was practised by 
His disciples to some extent. So it is recorded 
" that Jesus made and baptized more disciples 
than John ; though Jesus himself baptized not, 
but His disciples." l Evidently there was some 
regard paid to this rite, as introductory to 
open Christian discipleship, prior to the period 
when the risen Saviour gave command for its 
perpetual observance. 2 The baptismal rite ad- 
ministered during the personal ministry of Jesus 
did not take on the significance with which it 
was invested after the ascension of our Lord. 
As the visible Church was not actually consti- 
tuted until the Holy Ghost came upon the 
Apostles, so not until then can it be said that 
Christian baptism was directly enjoined and 
presented in all its fulness of meaning, Saint 
Peter, in his memorable discourse on the day 
of Pentecost, laid stress upon this initiatory 
rite. His call was, " Repent, and be baptized 
every one of you ; " 3 and most successful was 
his appeal, for "they that gladly heard his 

1 John iv. 1, 2. 2 Matt, xxviii 19. 3 Acts ii. 38. 



ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH. 35 

word were baptized, and that same day there 
were added unto them about three thousand 
souls." l 

From that date forward the Apostles preached 
the word, established churches, and baptized be- 
lievers according to the commission they had 
received from Christ. Just what the order of 
service was, and the precise words used, and the 
specific manner in which water was applied to 
the candidate, are matters left in some obscurity ; 
but the fact that baptism was required and ad- 
ministered by the Apostles admits of no question. 
The instances of the Apostolic practice of this 
rite are numerous, and the incidental references 
to its sacred and obligatory character are still 
more ample. There is no room to doubt the 
position assigned to this rite by the early Church, 
any more than there is to question the signifi- 
cance which attached to it as a sign of death 
unto sin and birth into righteousness. How aptly 
Saint Paul states the spiritual import of bap- 
tism : " How shall we, who died to sin, live any 
longer therein ? Know ye not that so many of 
us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were bap- 
tized into His d^ath ? That like as Christ was 

1 Acts ii. 41. 



36 THE CHURCH. 

raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, 
even so we also should walk in newness of life." 1 

Baptism specially signified moral regeneration, 
actual as in the cases of believers, prospective as 
in the instances where children were the sub- 
jects of the rite. To both classes, however, it in- 
dicated a reception into the Church. Thus this 
ordinance was applied in all its beautiful force 
and significance. Old and young were baptized, 
families and households, and to one and all a 
Church relationship was pledged or typified. 

The Lord's Supper comes to us with no less 
solemn sanctions, while it is invested with sweeter 
associations and still more gracious suggestions. 
The Scriptural accounts show the purpose of 
Christ in instituting the rite, and His evident 
design that it should continue to be used by all 
His followers as an act of commemoration and 
a means of grace. Three of the Evangelists re- 
cord with much carefulness the institution of 
this ordinance; they report the tender and sol- 
emn manner in which Jesus brought into use sym- 
bols most significant, that He might represent 
and confirm the essential characteristics of the 
religion He taught, and impress upon the minds 

1 Romans vi. 2. 



ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH. 37 

of His disciples the offering He was about to 
make of Himself for the salvation of the world. 
One of the accounts given is as follows : " And 
as they were eating, He took bread, and when 
He had blessed, He brake it, and gave to them, 
and said, Take ye : this is my body. And He 
took the cup, and when he had given thanks, He 
gave to them: and they all drank of it. And 
He said unto them, This is my blood of the cove- 
nant, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto 
you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, 
until that day when I drink it new in the king- 
dom of God." * 

The force and meaning of the symbols thus 
employed will be apprehended if we consider 
other passages of the Gospel. Thus our Saviour 
asserts : " This is the bread which cometh down 
out of Heaven, that a man may eat thereof and 
not die. I am the living bread which came down 
out of Heaven : if any man eat of this bread he 
shall live forever: yea and the bread which I 
will give is my flesh for the life of the world. 
Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood 
hath eternal life." 2 St. Paul was moved to in- 
dicate in very clear words the way and manner 

i Mark xiv. 22, 25. 2 John vi. 50, 51, 54. 



38 THE CHURCH. 

in which Jesus instituted this sacred rite. " For 
I received of the Lord that which also I deliv- 
ered unto you, how that the Lord Jesus in the 
night in which he was betrayed took bread ; and 
when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, 
This is my body which is broken for you ; this do 
in remembrance of me. In like manner also the 
cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new 
covenant in my blood ; this do, as oft as ye drink 
it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye 
eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye proclaim 
the Lord's death till he come/' 1 

The symbolical character of the Lord's Supper 
or Holy Communion is most evident. It was 
instituted under conditions of pathetic solemnity 
just before the scenes of Gethsemane and Cal- 
vary. It was given first to Jewish disciples, who 
would naturally be quick to discern the relation 
of this new rite with the Passover, and hence 
appreciate its imputation and binding use. It 
was accepted by believers generally in the early 
Church, as is evident from frequent allusions in 
Acts and the Epistles. It appealed powerfully in 
its commemorative features to both Jewish and 
Gentile Christians. At the first it was an ob- 

1 1 Cor. xi. 23, 25, 26. 



ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH. 39 

servance somewhat less formal and solemn than 
now, being made the closing part of a social meal 
and used very frequently. As thus applied in 
connection with an actual supper it suffered some 
abuses, and was therefore separated from the 
" Feast of Charity," with which it had been first 
joined. The Sacramental celebration seems al- 
ways to have been regarded as a religious cere- 
mony, though in its earlier use it had more of 
a social and festive character than afterwards. 
It was solemnly enjoined upon the churches, and 
became a distinctive sign of the body and brother- 
hood of Christ. It was understood to be a sym- 
bolical representation of Christian truth, of the 
life and death of the head of the Church, a me- 
morial rite, an instituted means of grace to all 
who should observe it in a right frame of mind 
and heart. 

Thus this holy rite was perpetuated and its 
use continued under varying forms in the Chris- 
tian Church. Its universal and perpetual obli- 
gation has seldom been questioned, albeit much 
controversy has arisen as to the modes of its 
administration and the effects produced by its 
observance. Even in our time wide differences 
of opinion prevail respecting these points. We 



40 THE CHURCH. 

do not propose to enter into a discussion of these 
differences, but only express our thought that 
the best way of determining such questions is to 
ascertain the view which our Lord and his Apos- 
tles took of the Holy Communion, at the same 
time keeping in mind the spiritual character of 
the Christian religion. Thus regarding the or- 
dinance we shall certainly be drawn toward it 
with sacred and true regard. We shall see that 
its use is justified, made obligatory indeed, by 
the time and manner of its appointment ; that 
just as the Hebrews appreciated the binding im- 
port of the Passover, so should Christians give 
heed to the mandate : " Do this in remembrance 
of me." In such a view, with an estimate fixed 
according to Scriptural presentation of the sub- 
ject, we shall have respect and reverence for this 
sacred rite as a perpetual testimony of Christ 
and His truth. 

It does not matter that gross errors and cor- 
ruptions have been associated with the Lord's 
Supper, that the phrases " eating the flesh " and 
" drinking the blood " of Christ have been 
pressed to an unwarranted meaning, — and the 
declaration " This is My Body " taken to mean 
the actual presence of Christ corporally in the 



PREREQUISITES FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 41 

symbols used, — all this matters little as affect- 
ing the Scriptural view of the rite and its claim 
to continual observance. We have only to re- 
gard the rite as Christ instituted it, interpret 
and apply it in its true moral significance, and 
it still appears in all its holy import and sweet 
attractiveness, an agency divinely established to 
open the way of communion between disciples 
of Christ, one with another and all with the Sav- 
iour, an abiding sign and pledge of fealty to the 
Master on the part of all those who participate 
in a service of such holy import. So it is jus- 
tified and blessed in the truth it suggests ; the 
fellowship which it provides for and quickens ; 
the remembrance it incites of the Matchless One 
who bound Himself down on Calvary and suf- 
fered for us all, and the renewed pledge which is 
implied in the use of the emblems, — a pledge of 
faith, love, and all true service from hearts fed 
and nourished by the Spiritual Christ. 

VI. — Prerequisites for Church Membership. 

If it be granted that the Christian Church 
has a rightful place in the world of to-day, and 
may properly claim the support of faithful souls, 



42 THE CHURCH. 

it becomes important to consider the terms on 
which such devotion shall be signified, and the 
tests of fitness to admission within its line. 
Who ought to constitute . the Church of Christ 
on the earth ? What ought to be required of 
candidates in the way of preparation for mem- 
bership in the Christian Church ? 

Going back to the Church as it existed in the 
time of the Apostles, we find the basis of mem- 
bership to have comprised these two essential 
features ; repentance of sins, and faith in Christ 
as the Saviour of men. The message of Peter at 
the Pentecost was direct and simple to this 
effect. He said, " Repent ye, and be baptized 
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 
unto the remission of sins." * Those who re- 
ceived the Apostle's word were baptized and 
accepted into the newly formed Church, in which 
organization they gave proof of the discipleship 
to Christ by words and works of pious devotion, 
and by maintaining a fellowship which in that 
early period was most cordial and hearty among 
believers. Some measure of faith was required ; 
there was a call for belief in Christ, but not to 
an acceptance of any cumbrous and perplexing 

1 Acts ii. 38. 



PREREQUISITES FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 43 

definitions pertaining to His being and truth ; 
and there was a demand for the open profession 
of a determination to lead a righteous life and 
be obedient to the Gospel precepts. A peni- 
tent and devout spirit, an honest acceptance of 
Jesus Christ as Master and Leader, with some 
degree of moral purpose and firm disposition, 
constituted all that the primitive Church re- 
quired of men and women received into its com- 
munion. 

Perhaps the tests and standards were not at 
the first sufficiently stringent. We know that 
much more was required of candidates as the 
Church grew strong and extended both its limits 
and its authority. In some periods of its history 
it has imposed many and harsh tests, fencing up 
the way, as it were, to church membership, by 
requirements relating to faith, knowledge, and 
experience, such as were entirely unknown in 
the Apostolic age. Sometimes undue stress has 
been laid upon the acceptance of certain doc- 
trines of religion included in the standards of 
belief ; again it has been deemed of the utmost 
importance to ascertain whether a " change of 
heart " had been experienced on the part of the 
applicant, or sufficient progress made in apply- 



44 THE CHURCH. 

ing Christian truth to the conduct of life, to 
warrant admission into the Church, which has 
been too much regarded in the past as a sacred 
enclosure, a place of repose, for the saints. It 
is not needful to spend much time in deciding 
whether a candidate has been really converted 
and has passed through a well-defined Christian 
experience, and in considering how well versed 
he is in dogmatic theology ; still there are quali- 
fications which must be insisted upon ; pre- 
requisites that ought not to be ignored or lightly 
set aside. These include a hearty repentance 
and an actual forsaking of sins ; an earnest pur- 
pose to bring the character and the life into 
accord with the standard of Gospel require- 
ments ; a self-surrender to Christ, concerning 
whom of course there must be some measure of 
belief together with some understanding of the 
truth he proclaimed to the world. These seem 
to be essential prerequisites, and they cover the 
entire ground of requirements included in the 
practice of the ancient Church. It ill accords 
with the Catholicity of an institution bearing 
the Christ name, and representing His kingdom 
on the earth, to bar the approach to its com- 
munion by sundry dogmatic tests imposed, or 



PREREQUISITES EOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 45 

requirements calling for great intellectual or 
spiritual culture. 

A particular Church may perhaps insist upon 
special tests for membership in its communion, 
justifying itself in so doing on the ground that 
there must be a substantial agreement among 
those who are to walk and work together. 
Just how far it should go in setting up de- 
nominational prerequisites to entrance into its 
household is an open question. If we turn the 
subject round, however, and regard it from the 
individual standpoint, there would seem to be 
little or no trouble in its determination. If 
one is thinking of joining a Universalist Church 
he will naturally ask, " Shall I be at home 
there ? " Unless he can accept in substance 
what is distinctive in the Universalist interpre- 
tation of Christianity, he cannot properly unite 
with that body ; he had better affiliate with 
some other branch of the Church. And of 
course there should be a like questioning and 
decision on the part of all earnest men and 
women proposing to unite with one or another 
body of believers, that they may take no false 
steps, but go where their convictions naturally 
carry them, and where they feel they can render 
the most of servioe to God and man. 



46 THE CHURCH. 

The Church in its various communions pre- 
sents itself to command the faith, devotion, 
and service of all the followers of Christ. If 
there is the right purpose, an awakened sense 
of duty, a feeling of self-surrender to Christ, 
possessing the hearts of God's children, then 
indeed are the indispensable prerequisites of 
Church membership met ; but something more 
is needed to mark an entrance into Church 
relations and signify what is really meant by 
such a connection. There must be an open 
assumption of obligations and duties, and a 
conformity to certain outward observances iden- 
tified with the very life of the Church forms 
and usages, that cannot be ignored without 
greatly limiting its dignity and truth. 

Confession is called for at the outset. Jesus 
desires His disciples to acknowledge Him: 
" Whosoever will confess me before men, him 
will I also confess before my Father who is in 
Heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before 
men, him will I also deny before my Father 
who is in Heaven." 1 Saint Paul emphasized 
the Christ call for confession : " If thou shalt 
confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and 

1 Matt. x. 32, 33. 



PREREQUISITES FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 47 

shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised 
Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved; for 
with the heart man believeth unto righteous- 
ness, and with the mouth confession is made 
unto salvation." 1 Christ requires an acknowl- 
edgment from his disciples, — a confession of 
faith and a profession of fealty. The Church 
which represents His kingdom on the earth 
rightfully demands that some sign shall be 
given by those enrolled as its members, so 
that they may be known and counted as loyal 
to the great Commander. 

A profession is to be made and witnessed ; 
not an assertion of saintly character, profound 
knowledge, or eminent services, but only an 
affirmation of faith and love toward the Great 
Head of the Church, Christ the Lord. The 
vows taken, the obligations assumed, the ac- 
knowledgments made and signified by use of 
the ordinances, should be understood to indi- 
cate no assumed superiority, but only a pledge 
of personal endeavor to make the character and 
the life conform to the Christian standard, and 
to unite with others under the same vows of 
consecration in helpful fellowship and works 

1 Romans x. 9, 10. 



48 THE CHURCH. 

of good. Entrance into the Church should im- 
ply this much of purpose, being understood to 
follow and indicate changes of thought, feeling, 
and conduct, and to mark the binding of the 
life to high and holy aims. 

Any branch of the Church, to maintain its 
place as attached to the true vine and justify 
its right to be, must stand out separate from 
the world. It must assert its religious signifi- 
cance and make the compact of members with 
itself to mean something. If it shall seek to 
increase its membership by taking a lower posi- 
tion, reducing its claims, and requiring little 
or nothing of formal confession or pledge on 
the part of those coming within its lines, the 
question may well be raised whether, if thus 
successful in augmenting its members, the gain 
is not merely nominal. A church organization 
is not much strengthened by adding to itself 
careless, irresponsive, or undevout members who 
attach but little meaning to the institution, and 
consent, perhaps, to have their names upon the 
church books, regarding the establishment of 
such a connection as a matter of slight conse- 
quence. Better by far is it to maintain the 
Church in its distinctive attitude, and to re- 



OBJECTIONS TO THE CHURCH. 49 

quire something of preparation and testimony 
on the part of those who enter its active com- 
munion. They who come into the Church hav- 
ing the prerequisites indicated, recognizing the 
importance of the step they are taking in con- 
fessing Christ and pledging themselves to ser- 
vice in His name, will most certainly exercise 
large influence and be extensively useful in and 
through its communion; they will be greatly 
blessed while blessing others in the Church 
relations. 



VII. — Objections urged against the Church 
and the Ordinances. 

It must be admitted that a goodly number 
of intelligent people, some of them religiously 
inclined, look with disfavor upon the Church 
and its Ordinances. One class of opposers 
would abolish the Church with all that goes 
with it of ceremonial usage. Another class 
would be contented with such a readjustment 
as should bring this institution to the level of 
societies claiming no Divine appointment or 
sanctions, when of course the organization 
would no longer be a Church according to the 

4 



50 THE CHURCH. 

New Testament standard, and its ordinances 
would be little respected or used. Still an- 
other class urge objections which apply only 
to certain features of Church life and govern- 
ment, and may therefore be regarded as sug- 
gestive of an amended course of ecclesiastical 
procedure and not of the destruction of the 
institution. 

It is boldly affirmed by representatives of the 
first-named class that the whole Church or- 
ganization has become a clog upon men. It 
has outlived its usefulness, we are told. The 
present age does not require such an institu- 
tion. Its rites have become meaningless and 
distasteful to the more intelligent portions of 
the community. What the world wants to-day 
is applied Christianity set free from institu- 
tional forms and ceremonies. Of course we 
challenge the correctness of these affirmations. 
The utility of the Church organization is still 
clearly evident. It has not ceased to be re- 
quired as a working force of moral and spir- 
itual power on the earth. The best instincts 
of human hearts are still operating for its sup- 
port. The world's progress, changes in social 
and moral order, the practicalizing of Chris- 



OBJECTIONS TO THE CHURCH. 51 

tian truth, do not by any means detract from 
the claims of the Church to be considered a 
permanent institution. Its solemn, significant 
rites are still needed ; devout and loving hearts 
still appreciate their worth. 

It is often said that the Church of to-day — in 
Protestant jurisdictions — has lost prestige and 
influence by its changed attitude respecting au- 
thority and church membership. Formerly a 
special sanctity was supposed to attach to the 
institution, and its members did not hesitate to 
claim that they were the special favorites of 
God and Christ. Church members by the old 
platform were " visible saints ; " now they are 
regarded but as learners and disciples. In this 
transition, it is urged, the exclusiveness of the 
Church and its highest claim of authority and 
ministry have been lost, and it must be content 
to rank with the human societies, the great fra- 
ternities of the age, many of which outrank the 
church in ministries of practical benefit. 

Two answers may be made to this form of 
criticism : (1) The Church is only returning to 
the simplicity of Christ and the practice of the 
Apostolic period, in estimating itself as a means 
to an end, and in looking upon its members not 



52 THE CHURCH. 

as saints, but rather as students and workers 
pledged to follow the Master in a way that may 
be expected to broaden constantly in knowledge 
and service. "And he gave some to be apostles; 
and some, prophets ; and some, evangelists ; and 
some, pastors and teachers ; for the perfecting 
of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto 
the building up of the body of Christ ; till we 
all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the 
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown 
man, unto the measure of the stature of the ful- 
ness of Christ." l (2) No fraternity assumes 
any such place as the Church of Christ occupies, 
notwithstanding any supposed lessening of its 
claims and sanctions. There are numerous 
fraternal organizations blessing human society, 
dispensing light and knowledge, while they min- 
ister efficiently to the needs of the poor and dis- 
tressed. Such organizations accomplish much 
in the way • of fellowship and true service ; but 
they attempt nothing in such lines of worthy 
effort to which the Church is not pledged, while 
the Church goes beyond them all in constituting 
a bond of communion not only as between man 
and his fellow-man, but as between men and God. 

1 Ephesians iv. 11, 12, 13. 



OBJECTIONS TO THE CHURCH. 53 

The Church still presents itself as an institution 
provided to unite professed disciples with Christ 
the Lord ; to pledge them to obedience to Him 
who calls for more of generous unselfish service 
in behalf of human needs and interests than is 
included in the demands of any of the fraterni- 
ties. Members of the Christian Church are 
pledged to follow Him who said : " I am among 
you as He that serveth." x " The son of man 
came not to be ministered unto, but to minis- 
ter." 2 "I have given you an example that ye 
should do as I have done unto you." 3 

A want of fidelity on the part of its members 
is often urged against the Church. The organiza- 
tion is criticised because its members do not live 
up to their professions. Hypocrites and pretend- 
ers find place within its ranks, and therefore, say 
some, the institution itself should be discarded. 

There is no logic in such a conclusion. As 
well might the rash iconoclast seek to destroy 
the family relation because there are inmates of 
a household not amenable to domestic ties and 
restraints, whose words and acts are out of har- 
mony with the principles of kindred association 
and helpfulness. The Church is not a perfect 

1 Luke xxii. 27. 2 Matt. xx. 23. 3 John xiii. 15. 



54 THE CHURCH. 

institution judged by the lives and characters of 
its members ; its glory is dimmed and its useful- 
ness impeded by those who are stumbling-blocks 
in the way. But all this does not touch its in- 
trinsic character, or detract from its divinely ap- 
pointed mission in representing Christ and His 
kingdom on the earth. The Church is manned 
by weak, imperfect men ; but behind these agents 
is the Lord of life and light, whose blessed en- 
ergy constitutes its assured permanence and 
growth into an ideal state. " For Christ also 
loved the Church and gave Himself for it, that 
He might sanctify and cleanse it with the wash- 
ing of water by the word, that He might present 
it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot 
or wrinkle or any such thing ; but holy and 
without blemish." * 

But why fix attention too strongly upon ex- 
crescences and defects? The Christian Church 
has an illumined history in which are shown 
saintly characters and heroic deeds. It is true 
that even among the Apostles there was a Judas ; 
and in the Church as first established there were 
men like Ananias and Simon the sorcerer of 
Samaria. Selfish and base men have been num- 

1 Eph. v. 25-27. 



OBJECTIONS TO THE ORDINANCES. 55 

bered among the professed disciples of Christ in 
every age ; but the great majority of church 
members have been honest, kind-hearted, God- 
fearing men and women, who have worthily 
represented the faith they have professed, and 
helped to advance the Master's kingdom on 
earth. True faith and true piety have never 
been extinct in the Christian Church. So the 
word of God has been proclaimed, public wor- 
ship maintained, holy rites observed, and an 
abundant service of good rendered by this One 
Institution that represents the Divine Life in- 
carnate in Christ. Even in our day, while the 
defective material of the Church in all its 
branches is clearly visible and its short-comings 
so numerous, where else do we look to find the 
most attractive expressions of human character, 
the most of devotion to high and noble aims, the 
most of hearty effective service in the ways of 
related interest and public good ? 

In other forms of objection more stress of 
adverse opinion is laid upon special features in 
church government and usages. Let the Church 
abide, say some of its critics, but put away its 
ecclesiasticism, its rigidity of forms and cere- 



56 THE CHURCH. 

monies. And so comes the suggestion of dis- 
countenancing the use of the ordinances, on the 
ground that they are of no practical benefit 
and do not comport with the spirit of the age. 
Especially does this feeling manifest itself in 
regard to the Lord's Supper. That is a relic of 
superstition, we are told. It is identified with 
the debasing doctrines of a corrupted church, 
and even as observed in Protestant communions, 
those of most catholic and liberal tendencies, 
there are remnants of errors and vain traditions 
associated with its use. It is of little or no practi- 
cal value ; indeed sometimes it stands as a hin- 
drance to church growth, for very likely some 
would enter into relations with that organization 
were it not that they dislike to take part in the 
observance of this ordinance. 

Such expressions of adverse judgment fre- 
quently heard will have but slight effect on the 
minds of those who regard the language of 
Jesus in instituting this rite as a command for 
its perpetuation. "Do this in remembrance of 
me," 2 comes to them as a sufficient warrant for 
its continual observance. Even without any ex- 
press command of the Scriptures requiring the 

i 1 Cor. xi. 24. 



OBJECTIONS TO THE ORDINANCES. 57 

general and continued use of this rite, we find a 
good reason for its acceptance and perpetuation in 
the fact that the Apostles transmitted it to those 
who succeeded them in the administration of 
church affairs, and thus it was passed on and 
has claimed recognition through all the Chris- 
tian centuries. Surely we should not think of 
lightly discarding a rite used and honored for 
well nigh two thousand years. 

Its utility and its attractiveness are questioned ; 
but so indeed is Christianity opposed, and on 
much the same ground. To some people all 
the services of religion are distasteful, while to 
others the joy of praise and worship is exceed- 
ingly great. It counts as nothing against the 
Lord's Supper that certain minds shrink from 
it, and others see little beauty or significance in 
the use of the bread and the cup at the celebra- 
tion of the communion. Ask the great company 
of communicants and they will testify to the holy 
and sweet influences that have come to them in 
the observance of this ordinance. They have 
been quickened religiously by partaking of the 
elements. They have felt a drawing away from 
sin and toward righteousness as they have united 
in a service intended and adapted to bring them 



58 THE CHURCH. 

spiritually near to Christ. By repeating the act 
frequently, as opportunity has been offered, they 
have been strengthened in their purposes of holy 
and helpful living. 

There can be no doubt of the preponderance 
of Christian testimony in favor of this rite. If 
it were needed in the first age as a remembrance 
of Jesus Christ, to bring His life and teachings 
to the minds of the Apostles and early disciples, 
to signify all so forcibly the redemptive agencies 
of Divine grace, and to prompt and express a 
renewal of consecration to Him, surely it is still 
needed for the same purposes. Human nature 
has not changed, man's spiritual needs and in- 
terests are much the same ; and the earnest as- 
piring disciple will still find fresh inspiration 
and a new and larger measure of strength as he 
tastes of the " cup of consolation," and partakes 
of the food of the Holy Communion. Thus will 
the perfect exemplar, the Great Head of the 
Church and the Saviour of the world, be brought 
visibly near, and the ear of the believing, trust- 
ful soul will be open to hear the grand procla- 
mation respecting the blessed consummations of 
Christ's redeeming work : " Wherefore also God 
highly exalted Him, and gave unto him the name 



PRIVILEGES OF CHURCH xMEMBERSHIP. 59 

which is above every name ; that in the name 
of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in 
heaven and things on earth and things under 
the earth, and that every tongue should confess 
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God 
the Father." 1 



VIII. — Privileges of Church Membership. 

It will not be doubted that the expression of 
Christian faith and purpose helps to spiritual 
development. When any path is declared it 
seems to become more clear and important to 
the individual making the avowal. It is when 
we have openly espoused a noble cause, when we 
have positively committed ourselves to a meri- 
torious enterprise, that there comes to us a 
stronger sense of the worth of that to which we 
have bound ourselves ; and in such increase of 
appreciation there is not a little of satisfaction 
to the moral nature. We find much of the zest 
of life, along the upward ranges, in an open 
identification with and a pronounced advocacy 
of great and important interests. 

It was a matter of rejoicing with Saint Paul 
i Phil. ii. 9-11. 



60 THE CHURCH. 

that he had taken his place with the followers of 
the Crucified One. How fervently the Apostle 
expresses his earnest conviction : "I am not 
ashamed of the Gospel of Christ ; for it is the 
power of God unto salvation to every one that 
believeth; to the Jew first and also to the 
Greek." * He had a feeling of exultation that 
he stood with believers and workers, and was 
not merely a silent and passive adherent of the 
Master's cause. He gratefully acknowledged 
that he was a recipient of the " unsearchable 
riches of Christ," esteeming it a blessed privilege 
to make such an avowal and be counted among 
the members of the primitive Church. To de- 
clare himself in this way of open profession, to 
signify outwardly his faith, and pledge himself 
to Christian living and service, was regarded as 
a privilege, not a hardship. The same experi- 
ence has been repeated in devout hearts all down 
the centuries. One cannot stand as the highest 
type of a Christian, and make no sign ; most as- 
suredly he cannot understand the grand possi- 
bilities of Christian experience until he has given 
expression to the beliefs entertained and the pur- 
poses which have been formed. 

1 Romans i. 16. 



PRIVILEGES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 61 

And then follows the privilege of becoming a 
witness for Christ. Jesus assured His disciples 
that they should have an opportunity to testify 
of him. Was it not an honor and a privilege 
that they were thus commissioned to represent 
their great leader and declare his truth ? The 
way and manner in which Jesus gave the an- 
nouncement admits of no other view. "It is 
expedient for you that I go away ; but when the 
Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you 
from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth which 
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of 
me; and ye also shall bear witness, because ye 
have been with me from the beginning." 1 

At the time when these words were spoken the 
disciples had but a dim perception of their import ; 
they failed to realize that it would ever appear to 
them much of a blessing or privilege to bear wit- 
ness. But after Pentecost what was there in their 
experience that gave them more of moral exalta- 
tion and satisfaction than the fulfilling of this 
commission ? Gladly did they testify of the Cruci- 
fied and Risen Saviour ; and in the giving of their 
testimony to His divine character and saving 
grace there came to their hearts a fulness of joy. 

i John xv. 26, 27. 



62 THE CHURCH. 

Something of the same privilege is accorded 
believers who confess Christ now, and devote 
themselves to the work of advancing His king- 
dom on the earth. They become witnesses of 
Christ in a very real and important sense. 
They testify to the truth and the power of 
Christianity in various ways, and by so doing 
are quickened and blessed spiritually. It is by 
such true witness-bearing that they become asso- 
ciated with the glorious company of prophets, 
apostles, confessors, martyrs, who represent the 
most heroic and saintly types of character. Is 
it not a joy and inspiration to realize this bond 
of connection with noble souls, — to take even 
the humblest place among faithful witnesses of 
Christ ? 

It is a privilege, also, for which the Church 
prepares the way, that Christian believers and 
workers may have fellowship one with another 
here on the earth. Very precious is the com- 
munion of those of kindred faith and aims ; and 
if the Church of Christ had no other claim to 
respect than as thus providing a ministry of 
pleasant and grateful association, it would still 
have value. The communion of the early Church 
was more intense than now. Its members were 



PRIVILEGES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 63 

more closely united, hand clasping hand, and 
heart beating with heart in a strong and beau- 
tiful sympathy, so that brethren realized the 
utmost of a sweet and powerful fellowship. 
They had all things in common ; they stood by 
each other in good and in evil report ; they 
prayed together and rejoiced in the faith they 
had received, to which they were solemnly com- 
mitted, and for the extension of which they la- 
bored with zeal and steadfastness. There is not 
so much of unity in the modern Church ; there 
is not so much of the fraternal feeling as ought 
to exist ; but with all that is lacking there is yet 
enough of fellowship among church members to 
show the cementing, cohesive, vivifying nature 
of Christian faith, and to make evident the spir- 
itual satisfaction of believers thus associated 
together. 

The local Church represents a Christian house- 
hold — a fraternal, family relation — in which one 
may count it a privilege to have place. We 
share in common much that is best and holiest 
in our lives, and it is only as we walk in obedi- 
ence to the law of rightful association that we 
attain highest good or best satisfy ourselves. 
Well, therefore, may we prize all instrumen- 



64 THE CHURCH. 

talities that tend to bring men nearer to each 
other, impelling them to join hands in true 
fellowship and helpfulness. The Church does 
afford this bond of connection ; its members are 
privileged to share a delightful communion, as 
they walk and worship together, animated by 
the gracious spirit of him who said, " By this 
shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if 
ye have love one to another." * In the Church, 
and through the Church, there ought to be real- 
ized far more of holy and helpful fellowship than 
is possible in any fraternity or merely human 
society however meritorious ; and there should 
be an appreciation of the worth of this superior 
kind of fellowship. 

There are likewise direct and practical minis- 
tries flowing out from the Church, concerning 
which we should not close our eyes. Men and 
women who take their places within the lines of 
a church, being moved to stand there by reason 
of deep convictions and hearty faith, may, expect 
to find in the relation thus entered into, many 
helps of Christian culture and grace. They 
may expect to be helped along the pilgrim path 
of earth, by the strong hands of those who walk 

1 John xiii. 35. 



PRIVILEGES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 65 

by their side ; to be restrained, perhaps, from 
wrong-doing sometimes, as well as encouraged 
" to walk worthily of the calling wherewith they 
are called," x by numerous strong influences 
which the Church commands and brings into 
use. Especially may the members of a Church 
expect to profit spiritually by exercises in which 
they are called to take part, and particularly by 
engaging in the Holy Communion, — a service 
which they will be far more likely to recognize 
when they have publicly confessed Christ and 
united with the Church, than when they stand 
among outsiders. And surely it w r ill be esteemed 
a gracious help to the weary and stumbling 
spirit, that so frequently one may sit at the 
table of the Lord and partake of the bread 
which symbolizes the Bread of Life, thus being 
refreshed and strengthened in the moral powers 
and determinations ; that one may taste of the 
emblematic cup and remember the Saviour who 
bowed himself down on the cross of Calvary and 
suffered for us all. The Communion Service, 
with all that properly goes with it of spiritual 
incitement and blessing, deserves to rank among 

i Eph. iv. 1. 



66 THE CHURCH. 

the privileges for which the Church prepares the 
way and gives an earnest call. 

Along these and other lines of helpfulness the 
ministries of the Church are exercised upon its 
own members. Those who stand within its lines 
are greatly privileged and blessed. As members 
of a spiritual household they walk, and work, 
and worship together, being drawn nearer to 
each other and to Christ by the position they 
have taken, the relations they have assumed, 
and the work in which they engage in His name. 
Are not these advantages real and important ? 
Does not the Church minister thus to fulness of 
life religiously ? Is it not a glorious instrumen- 
tality of privilege and blessing to its own mem- 
bers, as well as a potent agency of good to the 
world at large ? Ought it not to stand on a 
higher plane in the minds of its own members ? 
Should not its privileges be better appreciated ? 
Should not an ardent affection impel the utmost 
of devotion to an agency thus fruitful of bless- 
ing ? Would that each soul enrolled under the 
banner of the Cross might be charged with the 
holy impulse expressed in Dr. Dwight's sugges- 
tive lines : — 



OBLIGATIONS OF CHURCH MEMBERS. 67 

" I love thy church, God ! 
Her walls before thee stand, 
Dear as the apple of thine eye, 
And graven on thy hand. 

" For her my tears shall fall ; 
For her my prayers ascend ; 
To her my cares and toils be given, 
Till toils and cares shall end. 

" Beyond my highest joy 

I prize her heavenly ways, 
Her sweet communion, solemn vows, 
Her hymns of love and praise.' , 



IX. — Obligations op Church Members. 

The obligation of holy and helpful living 
rests upon men, whatever position they take 
or refuse to take as related to the discharge 
of moral service. One is not released from 
accountability to the law of God because he 
declines to admit such accountability, or places 
himself in an attitude unfavorable to the per- 
formance of duty. Whether within or without 
the Church, whether thev consent to moral ob- 
ligations or refuse to allow their claims, men 
cannot be set free from the demands and judg- 
ments of God's rule ; wherever they are stand- 
ing they are bound " to live soberly, righteously, 



68 THE CHURCH. 

and godly in this present world," a and must 
expect to be held to account for coming short 
of the full measure of personal duty. 

But some obligations assume distinctness 
when we have placed ourselves in a favorable 
attitude toward them. Certain duties will ap- 
pear clear and urgent to those who enter into 
Church relations and take upon themselves the 
covenant pledges of prayer and service. They 
will feel that henceforth they are to be watch- 
ful and active regarding religious interests, both 
as these relate to their own good and the good 
of others. They will not think to enter the 
Church for rest and ease, supposing the end 
to be reached when they have made a public 
confession of their faith, and that henceforth 
they can sit with folded arms and enjoy their 
religion. Rather will a fresh ardor incite them 
as a wider scope of duty presents itself. They 
will see how, in the new relation entered upon, 
some special obligations have been assumed, 
while they have pledged themselves to the full 
service of Christian discipleship. 

1. Among specific duties which ought to ap- 
pear more urgent and attractive is attendance 

1 Titus ii. 12. 



OBLIGATIONS OF CHURCH MEMBERS. 69 

upon public worship. So far as possible, pro- 
fessed Christians should attend upon all the 
services of the sanctuary. This is important 
now, even as when the Apostle gave the rule 
to the early Church. " Let us not forsake the 
assembling of ourselves together." 1 " Be ye 
filled with the spirit ; speaking one to another 
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, sing- 
ing and making melody with your hearts unto 
the Lord." 2 Members of the Church are 
specially looked to for the support of public 
worship, the maintenance of social religious 
meetings, and the carrying forward of other 
ministries of Christian culture ; and to none 
of these duties ought they to be indifferent. 
Men and women whose names are borne on 
Church books, but who, having no good ex- 
cuse, are infrequent attendants upon the ser- 
vices of the sanctuary, meetings of prayer and 
conference, the stated meetings of the Church, 
and the Lord's Supper, are grievous stumbling- 
blocks in the way of church prosperity. 

2. Church membership carries with it a spe- 
cial regard for the truths of Christianity as 
represented by the organization in which one 
1 Hebrews x. 25. 2 Eph. v. 19. 



70 THE CHURCH. 

has found a religious home. There is an un- 
derstood loyalty to the faith and principles of 
one's own Church. Without narrowness and 
bigotry, there should yet be manifested a strong 
devotion to the great principles of Christianity 
as interpreted by that branch of the Church 
with which a believer is connected. He should 
have a holy enthusiasm for his faith and his 
Church. He should be exceedingly sensitive 
as regards everything that pertains to Church 
interests, grieving when adverse conditions 
arise, and rejoicing when prosperity attends 
her way. With whatever Church connected, 
there should be no hesitancy in an avowal of 
the great doctrines made distinctive in the 
teaching of that communion, no backwardness 
in supporting the Church that proclaims his 
view of the essentials of Christian faith, and 
no remissness of duty in giving and doing for 
the dissemination of the truth as it has been 
received and professed. " Watch ye, stand fast 
in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong-" 1 

3. The Church of our time must undertake 
a work of wide and varied scope. It must jus- 
tify its existence by a productive usefulness, 
i 1 Cor. xvi. 13. 



OBLIGATIONS OF CHURCH MEMBERS. 71 

not only in the minds and hearts of its own 
members, but in the world at large. For this 
work, to this end, members of the Church need 
to be on the alert, thoroughly impressed with 
an idea of their individual responsibility, as 
well as of the functions of the organization into 
which they have entered. To maintain public 
worship and see that the Christian ordinances 
are not neglected constitutes one part of the 
obligation of Church members. To care for the 
Sunday School ; to show an active interest in 
auxiliary societies of the Church, both within 
the local body and outside ; and to be helpful 
in denominational movements and enterprises, 
are also to be included among obligations that 
should be deeply impressed upon those who 
have affirmed the Christian faith and purposes. 
And still more must be attempted and done 
in the way of education, benevolence, reform, 
and social uplifting by a live Church. The 
Called Out people of God cannot be indiffer- 
ent to the world's great needs. They are as- 
sociated together in the name of Him who went 
about doing good, who heeded every appeal for 
mercy and help, and who left for His followers 
the significant message, " Inasmuch as ye have 



72 THE CHURCH. 

done it unto one of the least of these my breth- 
ren, ye have done it unto me." 1 Being thus 
enrolled and pledged, it becomes them to live 
as their Master lived, to follow Him practically 
in works of benevolence and love, and to make 
the Church — the body of Christ — conspicuous 
as the most pronounced and effective agency 
of blessing in the world. It has the right of 
way to this first place. It is the most com- 
prehensive institution ever organized, and has 
the possibilities of largest accomplishment. If 
faithful to itself, and if faithful to the grand 
principles of the Gospel, the Church will be 
most potent in all that concerns the interests 
of related life, in all that pertains to the 
great world's moral advancement and puri- 
fication. 

It depends upon the members of the Church 
individually, under the divine leading and bless- 
ing, as to this productiveness. What can I do 
in such a work? ought to be the question of 
each member. If no great service can be ren- 
dered or large gift made, something surely can 
be offered, if only there is the right spirit. How 
clearly Saint Paul states the rule and makes the 

1 Matt. xxv. 40. 



OBLIGATIONS OF CHURCH MEMBERS. 73 

application : " Having gifts differing according 
to the grace that was given to us, whether proph- 
ecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion 
of our faith ; or ministry, let us give ourselves 
to our ministry ; or he that teacheth, to his 
teaching ; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting : 
he that giveth, let him do it with liberality ; he 
that ruleth, with diligence ; he that sheweth 
xnercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without 
hypocrisy." 1 

If the members of any branch of the Christian 
Church will but keep this standard of duty be- 
fore them and act accordingly, great and blessed 
results will be sure to follow their combined ac- 
tivities. Apathy, indifference, dull and dreary 
formalism, will be swept away before the strong 
current of united efforts, and the Church will 
succeed outwardly and spiritually because it de- 
serves success ; because its members are stand- 
ing and working together as true disciples of 
their risen Lord, each rendering a full measure 
of service according to what is the personal abil- 
ity and opportunity. These are the disciples 
unto each of whom the blessed words of the 
Master shall one day be addressed: "Well done, 

1 Romans xii. 6-9. 



74 THE CHURCH. 

good and faithful servant ; thou hast been faith- 
ful over a few things, I will make thee ruler 
over many things : enter thou into the joy of 
thy Lord." 1 

X. — What is your Duty ? 

The Christian Church exists to-day under va- 
rious distinctive names, and all the different 
communions claim to be branches of the true 
vine. It does not belong to the province of this 
Manual to discuss the rightfulness of such a claim 
in any case where the question may be raised. 
The essential Church exists in many forms, af- 
firming ideas and doctrines by no means the 
same, and observing practices quite unlike, but 
still pervaded by sufficient of the Christ truth 
and spirit to give it vitality. Eveu in the first 
age this separateness was indicated. " And 
there are differences of administrations, but the 
same Lord." 2 

Assuming that this Church exists, questions 
like these present themselves to every thought- 
ful person religiously inclined : " What is my 
duty ? Ought I to unite with such an organiza- 

i Matt. xxv. 21. 2 1 Cor. xii. 5. 



WHAT IS YOUR DUTY ? 75 

tion ? Is it required of me that I should signify 
my faith publicly and take the pledges of mem- 
bership in the Church?" These are important 
questions ; how shall they be answered ? 

In this word of friendly appeal, earnest and 
urgent as the writer desires it should be, there 
are yet two or three things to be stated in the 
way of a fair presentation of the claims of 
Church membership. 

It may be said at the outset that salvation 
does not hinge upon entering the visible Church 
and conforming to certain prescribed rites. The 
soul's destiny does not depend upon membership 
in any organization. 

It should also be understood that it is possible 
for a person to live an upright, useful life, with- 
out confessing Christ publicly or uniting with 
any communion of believers. Many saintly souls 
have not seen their way clear to join any body 
of Christians, and yet the remembrance of the 
virtues of these non-church members is very 
precious. Excellent people may be found in 
every parish and community, who render much 
help to Christian institutions and enterprises, but 
who decline for one reason or another to commit 
themselves to Christ by an outward profession. 



76 THE CHURCH. 

But allowing, and even emphasizing, these 
two facts; and putting with them that other 
fact of the imperfeetness of the Church, there 
yet seem to be plenty of arguments in favor of 
uniting with the Church, provided one has some 
belief in Christ and a sincere purpose to live a 
Christian life. 

It is an express command of our Lord that 
believers should acknowledge him and take an 
open, well-defined position of discipleship. There 
is a solemn requirement of duty. This is not 
only specifically stated in the Scriptures, but is 
likewise a matter of fair inference. If corrupt 
men unite in the interests of unbelief and wicked- 
ness, how shall they be successfully opposed ex- 
cept by the united efforts of believers ? How 
shall the truth be sustained and the Kingdom of 
Christ advanced on the earth, unless organized 
movements are put forward to this end ? If 
there is need of the Church to oppose wicked- 
ness, to uphold and disseminate Christianity, that 
Church may of right appeal to all who believe 
in the truth which it represents and the ends it 
seeks to promote, to come into its communion. 
Is it not your duty, reader, to stand squarely 
on the Lord's side ? And if you are disposed to 



WHAT IS YOUR DUTY? 77 

thus place yourself, where else can you go to 
signify your allegiance and purpose but into the 
Christian Church ? Your responsibility is evi- 
dent. Your duty is plain. 

Does not the appeal urged on the ground of 
affection touch your heart ? Saint Paul said, 
" The love of Christ constraineth us." l If we 
apprehend the Christ love as signified to us by 
the whole tenor of His life and by His death on 
Calvary, it would seem that no great amount of 
urging would be required to move us to enter 
the one organization that best represents the 
truth and love of Christ. Grateful affection 
toward Him who loved so much and so stead- 
fastly will surely add strength to the call that 
is made for acknowledgment and service. Is 
not this influence sufficiently potent to draw 
many hearts from a position of undue timidity 
in the expression of their religious convictions, 
and lead them to take the one step which will 
signify in the clearest manner their belief in 
and love for the Saviour of the world ? 

Others of earnest thought and devout feeling- 
will be appealed to by the motive of increased 
usefulness. Said a young man to the writer, not 

i 2 Cor. v. 14. 



78 THE CHURCH. 

long ago, " I wish to unite with the Church that 
I may do more for interests that seem to me im- 
portant, — that I may do more to help deliver 
the souls of my fellow-men from error and sin." 
What higher motive can be presented to a noble 
soul ? By the mighty logic of increased useful- 
ness is this appeal for church membership urged 
upon earnest and devout hearts. Standing in 
the Church, working with the Church, one can 
certainly increase his influence in the way of 
Christian service. By such identification and 
co-operation he will certainly augment the effi- 
ciency of his religious activities in various lines 
of duty. To do good, to be more extensively 
useful, should have weight as a proper motive 
in deciding the question of church membership. 
If abstractly the duty does not seem quite clear, 
if the call does not seem just now of special 
urgency, when regard is given only to personal 
needs, may not this thought of an increased 
usefulness turn the scale in the right direction ? 
The Church needs a reinforcement of men and 
women with whom this shall be a governing 
motive. It has a place and a hearty welcome 
for those who desire not only to grow in grace 
themselves by use of its appointed ministries, 



WHAT IS YOUR DUTY? 79 

and to edify one another, but to render a prac- 
tical service through a living Church in dissemi- 
nating truth, lifting the heavy burdens that press 
upon individuals and society, and turning many 
souls to righteousness. Influenced by such a 
noble purpose, will not some brave, true hearts 
find their way into the Christian Church, there 
to be " living epistles of Christ," x examples of 
purity, love, and faith, and zealous workers for 
truth and humanity ? 

" What is your duty ? " There can be no 
doubt as to the command of Jesus for an ex- 
pression of faith and a pledge of service. There 
can be no question of the apostolic sanction of 
the Church institution, and of the early practice 
of receiving believers into such an organization 
on profession of faith in Christ as the Son of 
God. Concerning the use of the two ordinances 
there is abundant proof of the importance at- 
tached thereto by the Christians of the first 
period. Nor is there any question that the 
Church has existed through all the centuries, a 
means of comfort and edification to countless 
souls, an instrumentality of benign service in 
the world, despite all "its corruptions and im- 

1 2 Cor. iii. 3. 



80 THE CHURCH. 

perfections, and that it presents itself now claim- 
ing the pledged support of Christian men and 
women. 

Some of the objections urged against the 
Church have been considered heretofore. They 
are numerous ; but they do not stand before an 
honest, prayerful testing. The feeling of per- 
sonal unworthiness is, without doubt, a consid- 
eration that prevents great numbers of devout 
souls from accepting church membership. Often 
this feeling is allowed too much influence in 
deciding the question under review. Some per- 
sons wait too long to qualify themselves for 
church membership. They think to settle all 
questions of doctrine and become morally and 
religiously perfect, — and then, perhaps, unite 
with a church. Years will come and go, and 
most likely they will still be on the outside. 
The appeal here urged is for no action of undue 
haste, — for no lessening of the importance of 
church vows and ordinances ; but when there is 
some faith in Christ and love for Him, and a 
fixed purpose to lead a Christian life, there is no 
call or justification for delay because so many 
questions of religion are yet unsettled, and saintly 
character is not yet acquired. 



PERSONAL INFLUENCE AND SERVICE. 81 

It is the Church of Christ that invites believers 
to its communion, to many and great privileges, 
to labors under its sanctions and by its aids. 
Entering the door of the Church with pure mo- 
tives, complying with a duty made clear to the 
heart and the understanding, there will never 
be any regret because of the important step 
taken; on the contrary, augmented joy and 
peace, as Christian experience broadens and 
deepens, as more of opportunity is given for 
service, and a glowing faith makes clear the 
blessed realization of Saint John's vision set 
forth in the Apocalypse: "And every creature 
which is in heaven, and on the earth, and 
under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and 
all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, 
and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him 
that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb 
forever and ever." x 

XI. — Personal Influence and Service. 

From one point of view the Church presents 
itself as an aggregation of individual forces. It 
takes on an institutional form and character 

i Rev. v. 13. 
6 



82 THE CHURCH. 

according to what is the spiritual productiveness 
of the men and women in its communion. The 
persons who compose its membership are factors 
which help to determine its range of influence 
and the amount of its usefulness. Thus is it 
that the Church as a whole is set forward or 
held back, and thus any branch of the Church is 
affected in matters that relate to its progress 
and efficiency. 

We shall be likely to find prosperity in any 
Church whose membership includes men and 
women who realize their moral responsibility 
and act accordingly. Where there is a good 
degree of Christian faith and devotion possess- 
ing the minds of individuals in the Church, 
there we shall look for an active, productive 
church life. First of all, the members them- 
selves must develop spiritual-mindedness, which 
so naturally leads to and results in a true pros- 
perity. This fact gives significance to the 
prayer of the Apostle for his friend Gaius : " Be- 
loved, I pray that in all things thou mayest 
prosper and be in health, even as thy soul pros- 
pereth" l When the individual members of the 
organization have attained this desired condition, 

i 2 John, 2. 



PERSONAL INFLUENCE AND SERVICE. 83 

the Church itself will be sure of a genuine pros- 
perity. It will be extensively useful as an in- 
strumentality that represents the combined faith 
and energy of many consecrated hearts. 

The Church must have this personal influence 
and service to accomplish its largest and best 
work. The institution cannot act as a piece of 
machinery ; it is the men and women who stand 
within its lines that shape its activities and fix 
the rank of its honor and usefulness. Personal- 
ity in the Church deserves recognition ; the in- 
dividual thought and will must not be too much 
repressed, and each faithful worker must be 
given a place and opportunity of service. This 
personal activity counts for much ; it should 
neither be ignored nor underestimated. 

John Henry Newman, whose personality was 
of so intense a character, once said : " My only 
business is to find out what I am and put it to 
use." So he sought to make his life active and 
productive ; and that he succeeded in this to 
a very considerable degree will not be ques- 
tioned. " I am not master of myself," said 
Martin Luther, " God hurries and drives me to 
my work." When an individual is controlled 
by such a feeling, when he hears and heeds 



84 THE CHURCH. 

the call that comes to him to be of service 
to an institution, a cause, a principle, and thus 
to help mankind, he is taken out of weakness 
and made a potent influence in the world. Then 
there is readiness for duty, and then the service 
of Christ is engaged in willingly, cheerfully, 
even according to the spirit of devotion that 
prompted the prophet's response to the call that 
came to him : " I heard the voice of the Lord, 
saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for 
us ? Then said I, Here am I ; send me." * 

It is personal effort that is required in behalf 
of the great interests of related life, — to bring 
souls out of error and sin, to advance the Mas- 
ter's kingdom among men. If we could only 
have the earnest, strong promptings to such a 
service, filling and ruling the hearts of individ- 
ual men and women who have alreadv taken 
their places within church lines, how much 
might be accomplished! What the Church 
needs to-day is not money, or new methods, or 
improved ecclesiastical machinery, so much as 
living souls acting under a sense of personal ac- 
countability and always ready to do God's bid- 
ding. With such obedient activity on the part 

1 Isaiah vi. 8. 



PERSONAL INFLUENCE AND SERVICE. 85 

of those who have professed the name of Christ, 
what might not be accomplished in and through 
His Church ! How it would augment the force 
of church life and productiveness if each believer 
was impressed by the feeling that he must put 
to use the one, two, or five talents which have 
been entrusted to him, being controlled by a 
holy enthusiasm to be a loving, loyal worker in 
His Name ! Then indeed would the fruits of a 
whole-hearted discipleship appear in fulfilment 
of our Lord's statement : "I am the vine, ye are 
the branches : he that abideth in Me, and I in 
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit ; for 
without Me ye can do nothing." 1 

By this union with Christ comes growth and 
development of the religious nature, with a pro- 
ductiveness of the life such as the Master urged 
upon His disciples. Let there be this intense 
feeling animating the minds of individual be- 
lievers ; let them realize the Christ love and the 
Christ power, and who will doubt that a mighty 
revival would sweep over the Church, extending 
its usefulness an hundred-fold ! 

To rouse the individual and set him to work 
is the problem that confronts us. How may we 

1 John xv. 5. 



86 THE CHURCH. 

hope to secure this activity and accomplish- 
ment ? How may a little body of believers 
banded together in the name of Christ do more 
for the honor of the Crucified One ? How may 
the Church at large show forth an applied Chris- 
tianity that will most effectually bless and exalt 
the race ? Many answers will be given to the 
questions proposed, as many ways can be pointed 
out for broadening and deepening the channels 
of individual influence in the Church and the 
world. One primary, essential, and most power- 
ful help to such desired work and results, is the 
" Witness of the Spirit " in the hearts of men 
and women receptive to its influence. It is an 
endowment of power from above, a breathing of 
the Holy Spirit upon a human soul, that gives 
the utmost of obedient, glad service in the inter- 
ests of truth and humanity, making every Chris- 
tian thus wrought upon a potent force of good 
in the world. 

Do we need to say what new courage and 
strength, what new power of accomplishment, 
are thus made available ? How changed were 
Peter and James and John, and the other disci- 
ples, after the day of Pentecost! They received 
enlightenment and inspiration as the gift of the 






PERSONAL INFLUENCE AND SERVICE. 87 

Spirit. Henceforth they had a new assurance 
of the truth of the Gospel : they were instructed, 
uplifted, directed, ready to go forth and attempt 
the moral conquest of the world according to 
the great commission they had received. This 
was the word that had been spoken, the call 
that had been given : " Go ye therefore, and 
make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them 
into the name of the Father and of the Son and 
of the Holy Ghost : teaching them to observe all 
things whatsoever I commanded you : and lo, I 
am with you alway, even unto the end of the 
world." * But they had been told to wait for the 
dispensation of the Spirit that came to them at 
Pentecost ; and while they waited and prayed, 
being " all with one accord in one place," 2 the 
promise was fulfilled, and they entered upon the 
work of establishing and diffusing Christianity, 
rendering glorious service and showing the 
" fruit of the Spirit " in their words and their ac- 
complishments. 

The early Christians acted under the same 
Divine influence. They realized that " the hand 
of the Lord " was upon them, that the Divine 
Spirit had been given to them. Thus does Saint 

1 Matt, xxviii. 19-20. 2 Acts ii. 1. 



88 THE CHURCH. 

Paul affirm the fact : " For our gospel came unto 
you not in word only, but also in power, and in 
the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance." * So 
it was the Apostolic Church flourished, and won- 
derful results attended the preaching of the 
word. Not upon the Apostles only, but upon 
those who believed and worshipped and prayed 
with them, came there the endowment of power 
from on high. Christians in the early days were 
full of power, being full of the Holy Ghost. 
And the church was a victorious church having 
such an equipment, such a membership. 

The Holy Spirit is still to be recognized and 
depended upon as the source of power among 
believers and in the Church. It is manifest to 
some extent in the hearts of faithful men and 
women, and in the devoted labors of those who 
follow most nearly to Christ the Lord. It is 
seen in the Christian operations at home, and in 
missionary undertakings abroad, which reflect so 
much of glory upon the Church of Christ. But 
believers have not that Spirit in its fulness, and 
therefore the Church is less useful than it ought 
to be ; and the human world is not ministered 
to and blessed as might be the case if there was 

1 1 Thess. i 5. 



PERSONAL INFLUENCE AND SERVICE. 89 

a more earnest, confident looking for the pres- 
ence and help of the Holy Ghost. The dispen- 
sation of the Spirit has not been abrogated ; the 
gift is still waiting to be bestowed on earnest, 
prayerful souls. " If ye then, being evil, know 
how to give good gifts unto your children ; how 
much more shall your Heavenly Father give the 
Holy Spirit to them that ask Him ? " 1 Oh that 
they who read these words, yea, the whole mem- 
bership of the Church Universal, might feel and 
say, — 

" Our wills are ours, we know not how : 
Our wills are ours to make them Thine." 

With this " witness of the Spirit " there would 
be less of apathy and indifference in the churches, 
less of faint-heartedness in the hearts of believ- 
ers ; for, being roused and quickened, they would 
hear and heed the call of duty ; they would feel 
and know that to help men now, to be of real 
service to others, is at once the true business, 
the satisfying joy, the abiding glory of living. 

" Ask God to give thee skill in comfort's art 
That thou may'st consecrated be, 
fAnd set apart unto a life of sympathy ; 
For heavy is the weight of ill in every heart, 

i Luke xi. 13. 



90 THE CHURCH. 

And comforters are needed much 
Of Christlike touch." 

It is personal consecration that most is needed 
within the lines of the Christian Church. There 
is a personal service demanded which may be 
hard and painful sometimes ; self-surrender and 
self-denial that may challenge a disciple's faith ; 
but if there is a brave persistence in the way of 
duty, a faithful conforming of the life to the law 
and love of Christ, power will be given both to 
do and to endure. And they who walk thus 
with Christ, seeking to imitate Him in a minis- 
try of light and help to those in need, shall find 
the true zest of existence, — shall learn the 
blessed truth, — 

" That the sum of a life's true living 
Is not what our souls receive, 
But the gam that is found in giving, 
I steadfastly believe." 

And doubtless a special joy will fill the minds 
of faithful workers who, by their personal influ- 
ence and efforts, shall render an efficient service 
in bringing their brothers and sisters to Christ, 
and to the one organization that best represents 
Him, thus helping to extend the Master's king- 
dom spiritually and as an institution. To them 






PERSONAL INFLUENCE AND SERVICE. 91 

the ancient promise has a beautiful significance : 
" They that be wise shall shine as the brightness 
of the firmament : and they that turn many to 
righteousness, as the stars in heaven for ever and 
ever." 1 

1 Daniel xii. 3. 



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